Chris Hadfield is not Canada's only astronaut, but he's almost indisputably the most famous one. This book is the story of his life leading up to being an astronaut, and its filled with both anecdotes and lessons.
For me, the anecdotes and stories are what's most interesting. Have you ever thought about flying in space? If so, this book is for you. There's a ton of information on what it's actually like to fly in and out of space, as well as living life in space. It really is an alien environment, but it's one that has almost become commonplace enough for people to dismiss as now being safe and easy to do. It's not safe, and it's definitely not easy living in space. But he does convey the majesty of being in space. In particular, how it doesn't seem that grand until you open your eyes and see the glorious view of the Earth in front of you and then the blackness of space all around you. Vision is the sense that most appreciate space.
His life story and lessons are also interesting, even if they don't (for me) match up to the grandeur of space flight. One of Chris' biggest life events and lessons is that he discovered at a very young age (9) what he wanted to do: walk on the moon. He never made it to that goal (at least, not yet), but he states that it's really important to set goals and do your best to meet those goals. If you don't get your goal, but move towards it, you're succeeding. That's a really important point- not only do you have to set a goal, but you have to keep chasing it even if it involves detours here and there. I can really empathize with this view as it's largely what I've done with my life. Chris also loved going fast from a young age, but he wasn't a risk-taker. In fact, for him the thrill was doing something dangerous, but doing it in a way so that it was completely under control. He's very detail-oriented. From flying CF-18s, to being a test pilot, to being an astronaut, it was always able mastering the challenge.
Chris' three children figure prominently in his parental advice, as does his wife. He and his wife are one of the increasingly rare examples of high school sweethearts who got married and it seems to have worked so far. That's an impressive testimony to her as I'm sure it wasn't easy being married to someone who was so often so far away and so often in relatively dangerous jobs. Chris himself is a strong optimist, but he's also patient, hard-working, and caring. I was almost hoping for some kind of dirt on the guy here, but there really aren't any major character flaws (as least none that he reveals). Which sort of makes sense if you think about how difficult the selection process is to not only go to space, but to command the ISS. You really don't want a hot-head, or alcoholic, or risk-taker managing those kinds of multi-billion dollar, massively documented missions.
So can I recommend this book? Well, if you are interested in the technical details of space travel, this is a good book. If you're looking for some good life lessons, especially lessons relating to achievement, then this is a good book. If you ever look up into the night sky and wish you were there, and want to read the real deal story of someone who was- this is definitely a really good book. An accomplished story-teller who knows how to capture an audience, Chris Hatfield doesn't disappoint. An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth isn't just a guide to living in space, or a guide to living on earth, it's a reminder of our place on earth, in the universe, and what a great opportunity we have to do something special with our lives. If that doesn't make a book worth recommending, I don't know what does. Five Stars!
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Amazon Price | New from | Used from |
|
Kindle Edition
"Please retry" | — | — |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Paperback, Illustrated
"Please retry" | $22.00 | $9.91 |
Frequently bought together
$32.00
In Stock.
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Top reviews from other countries
Cliente Amazon
Livro interessante
Reviewed in Brazil 🇧🇷 on January 28, 2021Verified Purchase
Amazon カスタマー
A must read book ．
Reviewed in Japan 🇯🇵 on June 24, 2020Verified Purchase
farah nabila
Love it~
Reviewed in Japan 🇯🇵 on October 19, 2016Verified Purchase
Felipe Augusto Nogueira
Muito Bom!
Reviewed in Brazil 🇧🇷 on February 10, 2015Verified Purchase
Fabrício Fernandes
Um excelente livro. Motivador.
Reviewed in Brazil 🇧🇷 on September 18, 2015Verified Purchase
